“The clothes that were rushed were already picked up. The new clothes are being made for Young Master Zhuang, and the embroidery for Chunxia has been finished recently. The embroiderer showed them to Young Master Zhuang, and he was quite satisfied, so they were sent for washing.”

“As for the food, aside from a few days of morning sickness, the several chefs in the residence have been satisfactory to Young Master Zhuang. I asked Lord Zhao and had them rotate to cook in the East Wing, which helps avoid monotony. Yes, food is important. The chefs are preparing to bring back one or two older ones from the camp. A letter has already been sent to their hometown, and the new chefs should be on their way now. When they arrive, they can directly supplement the camp.”

Cen Yan returned to the capital with his personal guards. After successfully supporting the king, the emperor kept him from returning to his fief as a reward, and these soldiers were also allowed to stay. However, having them all in the royal residence was too conspicuous, so most were settled in the large camp outside the city, occasionally swapping with the guards of the royal residence, still under their training and orders.

Thus, there were some servants in the camp and the royal residence who were interchangeable and would often rotate.

Cen Yan nodded.

Liu Qi said, “Recently, things have been a bit unstable. Young Master Zhuang has been staying in the residence and hasn’t gone out. His daily routine consists of practicing calligraphy, reading, and wandering around the royal residence when he has nothing to do.”

“Where has he been?”

Knowing what Cen Yan wanted to ask, Liu Qi replied, “He has strolled through the East Wing, and I estimate he has also finished exploring the big garden. He hasn’t gone to other places yet. Generally, before going to a new place, he would send someone to ask if he could go.”

“He hasn’t come over here?”

Liu Qi shook his head.

He truthfully said, “Even when he came to find me, he only waited at the courtyard entrance and had the servants call me out.”

Cen Yan asked, “He has never come in?”

Liu Qi replied, “No.”

The West Wing was where Cen Yan lived, with many official duties and a lot of intelligence reports from the southwestern fief gathered in that courtyard. Even if Zhuang Dongqing wanted to enter, someone would follow him the whole way, restricting his range of movement.

Of course, he was aware that not stepping in was more reassuring for the royal residence.

After saying that, he handed over Zhuang Dongqing’s calligraphy practice sheets and some recent leisure reading materials for Cen Yan to review.

The leisure reading was indeed just that—travelogues and stories.

Upon seeing the calligraphy practice sheets, Cen Yan paused for a moment. Liu Qi asked, “Is there something wrong?”

Cen Yan replied, “The style of writing has changed, but it is consistent with his exam papers. However, it seems that his habit of writing has changed a bit since he fell.”

Logically, a person’s writing style is fixed. Cen Yan had thought it was just a matter of getting used to it, but after so long, it seemed more accurate to say that he had completely changed his writing style.

After listening to Liu Qi’s account of recent events, Cen Yan asked, “What about the morning sickness? Is it severe? Has Lord Zhao thought of any solutions?”

“He administered acupuncture, and it’s been a bit better these past few days. Lord Zhao said it’s a matter of her physical condition, and it can’t be rushed; it has to be taken slowly.”

Cen Yan thought of something else, “Wasn’t it said that there were issues with her pulse when she came? Has it been diagnosed yet?”

Liu Qi knew about this, “Not yet. It’s still due to her poor health, with both qi and blood being deficient, and the pulse is mixed, making it hard to distinguish. Lord Zhao said that after some time of nurturing, they would know more.”

Since it had reached the point where even Lord Zhao couldn’t distinguish it clearly, Cen Yan rubbed his forehead, unsure of what to say.

Why is it so pitiful?

Finally, he said, “Then let Lord Zhao pay more attention to her diet and nourish her.”

Liu Qi replied, “That’s unnecessary.”

“Alright, send the things back to her.”

Not having seen her and only hearing about her recent situation, Cen Yan felt exhausted after working hard on his tasks lately.

After Liu Qi returned and tidied up, he went to bed.

*

Zhuang Dongqing received the news the next day, not from Liu Qi.

It was Liu Qi who guessed Cen Yan’s intentions and arranged dinner in the East Wing. After Cen Yan had dinner with Zhuang Dongqing, he spoke about it in person.

Zhuang Xingchang was not good at teaching his son, but he pitied his loyal heart for the country. Moreover, Zhuang Yue had reported the merits first, which led to his demotion and exile from the capital.

Zhuang Yue was punished for exam fraud, originally facing fifty lashes, but considering his first report of merit, he was reduced to twenty lashes, stripped of his previous honors, and demoted to a commoner, never to participate in the imperial examinations again.

Zhuang Yue was heavily punished, but compared to other cheating candidates, at least his life was spared, and he didn’t lose any limbs.

Cen Yan said, “The Bi family has expelled Bi Shuyu from the clan, but they were already a collateral branch, so the impact is minimal. It’s more about losing face; they won’t be able to rely on the Bi family to act arrogantly anymore.”

After dinner, Zhuang Dongqing sipped hot tea slowly, nodding.

“Exchanging reputation for a life is worth it.”

After saying this, Cen Yan shot him a glance, “Your thinking is quite strange. Don’t scholars usually value their reputation more than their lives?”

Zhuang Dongqing replied, “That’s different.” He whispered, “If you’re dead, who besides yourself would care about your reputation? Besides, as long as you’re alive, there are infinite possibilities. Once you’re dead, it’s all settled, and others can write whatever they want; that person can’t come back.”

“That’s true.”

Cen Yan found this perspective appealing, and his brows relaxed.

“The case is nearing its conclusion. Aside from those not involved who have already returned home, your elder brother will still be detained in the Ministry of Justice for a while, waiting for the unified execution before he can be released.”

Zhuang Dongqing nodded in understanding.

Cen Yan continued, “The decree for demotion should come out in the next few days. Once your elder brother has received his punishment, Zhuang Daren will have to leave.”

When he said this, he looked at Zhuang Dongqing, clearly implying something, but Zhuang Dongqing didn’t catch on.

“So?”

Cen Yan clarified, “While Zhuang Daren hasn’t left the capital yet, do you want to go back to the Zhuang family to take a look?”

“… Oh.”

After thinking for a moment, Zhuang Dongqing showed no hesitation, “No, I don’t want to.”

“Madam must be feeling quite unhappy lately. She doesn’t want to see me, and I don’t want to see her either.”

Recalling the ancient views on familial relationships, he added, “As for my father, when I leave the capital, I can just send him off. Otherwise, it would be awkward to meet without anything to say.”

Is it only awkward?

Cen Yan tapped his fingers on the armrest of the chair, deep in thought.

Liu Qi, on the side, felt relieved. He was very unwilling for Zhuang Dongqing to return to the residence. For no other reason, seeing him would be distressing and not good for his health.

That night, Cen Yan stayed in the East Wing and thoroughly discussed the follow-up matters concerning the Zhuang family with Zhuang Dongqing.

Zhuang Dongqing had a gentle personality and simple thoughts. While drinking tea and chatting leisurely with him, he didn’t make Cen Yan feel annoyed.

The late-night snack was a bowl of delicious silver fungus soup. Liu Qi first served it to Zhuang Dongqing, but Zhuang Dongqing handed it over to Cen Yan, asking if he wanted some.

Logically, he shouldn’t have, but Zhuang Dongqing asked so sincerely, with those bright eyes looking at him, that Cen Yan accepted it.

Before long, he noticed that everyone in the courtyard had a bowl.

Zhuang Dongqing explained, “It would be troublesome to make just for me, so I made more for everyone to share.”

The attendants in the courtyard were not shy, clearly used to this kind of thing.

He was quite generous.

Zhuang Dongqing enjoyed his food, and Cen Yan had only planned to take a taste but ended up using half a bowl, as the soup base was sweet and not overwhelming.

On that spring night, a gentle breeze blew, and the only sounds left in the courtyard were the clinking of bowls and spoons, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Before they knew it, they had sat until it was almost time to sleep.

As they were about to leave, Zhuang Dongqing suddenly remembered something and called out to Cen Yan, fidgeting with his hands, asking if he could go out and walk around now that he was in the capital.

His eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Thinking of Liu Qi’s report, Cen Yan guessed that he had probably been cooped up in the royal residence for too long, so he said, “Just bring the right people along.”

After saying that, he saw Zhuang Dongqing’s eyes brighten even more, full of life.

“Great, great! I understand now~”

As Cen Yan turned to leave, he heard Zhuang Dongqing shout behind him, “Thank you, Your Highness~”

The tone was almost as if he could fly.

Cen Yan couldn’t help but chuckle and shook his head.

*

Although Cen Yan said Zhuang Dongqing could go out, Liu Qi still had to carefully select the arrangements for the personnel.

After all, Zhuang Dongqing was not alone now. If the arrangements were not appropriate, Liu Qi, along with Hao San, Xu Si, and even Lord Zhao, would not feel at ease.

So, Cen Yan was busy in the Dali Temple for a few more days. Finally, when he had sorted out the major details, Zhuang Dongqing was finally able to step out of the royal residence’s gate.

On the day he left, Zhuang Dongqing was supposed to receive his monthly allowance. Liu Qi indeed allocated him a customary amount. When he left, he had the accountant change some of it into small silver coins and stuffed two banknotes into the package for Liu Fu to carry, as if he was afraid Zhuang Dongqing would leave without money to spend.

After dealing with the last official, Cen Yan brewed a pot of tea and finally had a moment to catch his breath.

After finishing two cups, he remembered Liu Qi saying that Zhuang Dongqing had left the residence today, so he casually asked, “Where did he go to have fun?”

Liu Qi seemed a bit awkward, “He had lunch at Wangjiang Tower, and in the afternoon, he went to a famous teahouse. Today, the musicians from the academy were playing the pipa…”

Cen Yan asked, “So, what’s wrong with that?”

It wasn’t that there was anything wrong, it was just…

Having just received the news, Cen Yan asked, and Liu Qi, no longer hesitant, truthfully said, “He ran into the Sixth Prince at the teahouse, and the guards reported that the two of them… were enjoying themselves together.”

“Mm?”

Cen Yan raised an eyebrow.

Zhuang Dongqing had been living in the royal residence for several days, and Cen Yan had a rough understanding of his personality. But thinking back to the situation at the spring banquet, he found himself uncertain about the relationship between the two.

If they were friends, Cen Yan had never seen Zhuang Dongqing worry about family matters. How could he have cried after just a few words with Li Yang at the banquet?

If they weren’t friends, it was clear that before entering the royal residence, he had some connection with Li Yang. If he didn’t believe it, why would he specifically inform him?

“Did they have fun?”

“The guards reported that they were laughing and joking.”

Cen Yan became interested.

With nothing else to do, he thought for a moment, patted his clothes, and stood up.

“Just right, I have some free time today. Let’s go see what exactly is going on between him and Li Yang.”

Liu Qi was more than happy to oblige.

*

At that moment, Zhuang Dongqing, who was laughing and joking, was actually putting on a fake smile.

He never expected that the fates in the book would be so deep. No matter which day he casually chose to go out, he would run into the male lead.

It would have been fine if he just ran into him, but previously, Liu Fu had even helped him keep the contract, and he had entrusted someone to handle matters. Even if he didn’t want to have too much interaction, it wouldn’t be good to fall out.

But if he didn’t fall out…

“Brother Dongqing, do you really have no hidden troubles?”

This was the fifth time.

This question had been asked in various ways—loudly, softly, secretly, and openly—five times already!

Zhuang Dongqing’s inner self was frantically pinching the bridge of his nose.

On the surface, he appeared natural, “Is it usually this lively by the riverside in the capital?”

“There are also people making sugar figurines. Their hands are really skillful; let’s go take a look.”

He pretended not to hear.

Before Li Yang could respond, he quickly walked to the stall, pretending to admire the display.

Zhuang Dongqing declared that today was his moment of acting brilliance!

Li Yang had a good temper, and even though Zhuang Dongqing interrupted him, he didn’t rush to steer the conversation back, coming over to admire the display with Zhuang Dongqing.

In fact, it was sugar painting, which could be eaten. It was too childish for little kids but just right for college students.

Zhuang Dongqing was preparing to choose one.

Just as he was about to reach for it, a hand appeared in his line of sight, pinching the tiger he had been eyeing.

Zhuang Dongqing looked up in surprise, “Your Highness?”

Cen Yan stuffed the tiger into his hand, nodding leisurely, while Liu Qi stepped forward to settle the bill.

“Prince of Dingxi.” Li Yang’s expression darkened as he revealed Cen Yan’s identity.

“Sixth Prince, out for some fun?”

“Seeing that the weather is nice today, I came out for a stroll.”

Cen Yan smiled, “What a coincidence, I feel the same way.”

“Meeting is fate. Since we all know each other, why not go together?”

Zhuang Dongqing’s action of wanting to eat the sugar figurine froze. Huh?

Li Yang instinctively wanted to refuse, but after glancing at Zhuang Dongqing, he changed his mind, “Well, I was just about to ask about Brother Dongqing’s recent situation. With the prince here, it would be even better.”

Huh?!

Zhuang Dongqing looked to the left, where the original character’s husband from the book was smiling warmly.

Then he looked to the right, where the original character’s white moonlight was looking dignified.

No, with this configuration, it was hard not to think in a twisted way!

What a predicament of being sandwiched between a scoundrel husband and a toxic moonlight!